State health officials report first pediatric flu death of 2023-24 season
TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 4 months AGO
REPORTER AND PODCAST HOST Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore of Flathead Lake for the Bigfork Eagle and the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on local government, community issues and the people who shape life in Northwest Montana. Inman began her journalism career at Murray State University’s public radio newsroom and later reported for WKMS, where her work aired on National Public Radio. In addition to reporting, she hosts and contributes to Daily Inter Lake podcasts including News Now. Her work connects listeners and readers with the stories shaping communities across the Flathead Valley. IMPACT: Taylor’s work expands local journalism through both traditional reporting and digital storytelling. | January 9, 2024 11:00 PM
A Big Horn County child has died of the flu, the first pediatric death of the 2023-24 flu season in Montana, state health officials say.
The minor’s death marks the 11th influenza-related death in Montana as of Jan. 5, according to a state Department of Public Health and Human Services press release issued Tuesday.
The state is experiencing widespread flu activity with cases and outbreaks reported in 49 out of 56 counties. State health officials reported nearly 6,000 cases of influenza and about 300 influenza-related hospitalizations between Oct. 1 and Dec. 30. In Montana, surveillance for flu season runs from Oct. 1 to June 1.
State health officials said Covid-19 also has circulated widely across Montana, with over 9,000 cases, 530 hospitalizations and 55 deaths reported between Oct. 1 and Dec. 30.
Vaccination remains the best form of protection against serious outcomes of these diseases, such as hospitalization or death due to infection, according to state officials
To schedule a Covid or flu vaccine appointment with the Flathead City-County Health Department, call 406-751-8110 or visit flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/health.
Reporter Taylor Inman can be reached at 406-758-4433 or by emailing [email protected].
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